Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, June 15: The macdamization of roads in Jammu and Kashmir has come under the scanner with Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) seeking details from both Roads and Buildings divisions about the works of macadamization allotted, executed in the previous four years.
Official sources revealed to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that there are allegations there were numerous procedural violations made in the allocation of macdamization works. “The government was informed that several roads have started developing potholes that were executed from 2015 to 2018 and many got damaged within weeks,” sources said.
“After receiving several complaints the government had directed ACB to look into the matter,” a senior official said.
Taking serious note of complaints, now Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought reports from chief engineers of Jammu as well as Kashmir division about the status quo of construction works that were executed from 2015 to 2018.
The ACB letter addressed to Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B) Department Jammu in possession of KINS reads, “In connection with the probe, you are requested to provide the information as per enclosed format in respect off works of macdamization allotted/ executed in PW(R&B) department with effect from 01-01- 2015 to 31-12- 2018 of all the divisions under your administrative control. The complete record (i.e DPR, e-NIT, copy of AAA, technical sanction, allotment order, Bill vouchers, M Books, & work registers and test reports) are required immediately”.
“You are requested to kindly provide the same for the expedition disposal of the case. Matter is most urgent” it reads.
In a similar letter addressed to executive engineer R&B division Baramulla, sopore GDA Magam, Uri, Ganderbal, Handwara, Kupwara, Tanghdar, Bandipora, sumbal the ACB has sought year wise details along with supporting documents like complete tender fil, allotments/ approvals, supplementary agreement, M books, work registers, bills and vochers (Properly indexed) with regard to the macdamization works carried out in respective divisions during the period 01-01-2015 to 31-12-2018.
“The requisite information may please be provided by 15.06-2020 positively through concerned dealing hands well versed with records. Matter most urgent”.
Meanwhile according to another letter addressed to Executive engineer R&B division Chadoora/ construction division 2nd Srinagar Bandipora Kashmir also in possession of KINS, the ACB has said, “Kindly refer subject cited above in this regard, it is requested that to provide the nominal roll along with full particulars including phone No’s of engineers who had remained associated with the execution of the work (list already submitted) to this office within three days positively”.
“More over the assistant executive engineers who have executed the said works be informed to attend this office positively”.
Chief Engineer R&B, Kashmir Sami Aarif confirmed to KINS that the ACB has sought details and accordingly they were preparing a response in it. “Yes we have received the letter from the ACB and we will submit all the details shortly,” he said.
Interestingly the Jammu and Kashmir Contractors’ Coordination Committee (JKCCC) has said that there pending billis mostly in R&B department were not cleared by the government.In Kashmir division, Roads and Buildings Department owes Rs 364 crore under different heads to contractors.
“Contractors are being harassed on one pretext or the other. Government framed engineers committee who submitted report on pending liabilities. Later a team of the Finance Department conducted its own audit and submitted a report to the government. Now the government is saying the Anti-Corruption Bureau will hold its own audit. Contractors are being asked to submit technical sanction and administrative approval documents of works. But the government has never given contractors any administrative approval since 1965. Where will we get the administrative approval,” Chairman J&K Contractors’ Coordination Committee, Ghulam Jeelani Purza said.
